Electrical timing apparatus-combination unit flasher timer, repeater timer



J. A. GINARD ,183,415 ELECTRICAL TIMING APPARATUS COMBINATION UNIT FLASHER TIMER, REPEATER TIMER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 11, 1965 Filed oct. 2, 1961 May 11 1965 J. A. GINARD 3,183,415

ELECTRICAL TIMING' APPARATUS COMBINATION UNIT I FLASHER TIMER, REPEATER TIMER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 2. 1961 INVENTOR. JaH/V 6fm/fan United States Patent O 3,133,415 ELECTRICAL TIMING APPARATUS--COMBENA- TION UNIT FLASHER TIMER, REPEAI'ER TBVIER .lohn A. Ginard, 3056 Albany Crescent, Bronx, NX. Filed Oct. 2, 1961, Ser. No. 150,609 3 Claims. (Cl. 317-141) This invention relates to electrical apparatus for automatically actuating switching means according to predetermined timed sequences. More particularly, this invention relates to novel apparatus in which so-called winker buttons are used to provide such actuating.

Winker button-type circuit interrupters such as described in Patent No. 1,858,687, issued May 17, 1932, to Schoenberg et al., are commonly used in lighting circuits to control flashing. They are normally inserted in a circuit in series with the load and as they heat and cool their contacts move between opened and closed positions periodically interrupting load current. In such applications, winker buttons must be capable of carrying and interrupting load currents without burning out. As a consequence, their effective use has, to my knowledge, heretofore been restricted to applications for controlling current in low amperage circuits.

I have found, however, that the precision of these devices for predetermined timed operation is quite satisfactory for a wide variety of control functions.

An object of my invention is to provide electrical timing apparatus utilizing winker buttons in an arrangement such that load currents do not limit their usefulness.

I have devised timing circuit means in which winkel buttons are connected electrically independently of load circuits to control the ilow of load currents.

According to one aspect of my invention, one or more winker buttons, depending on available voltage and desired timing, are arranged with their associated heaters, to energize a relay. By connecting a load circuit to 'magnetically operated contacts of the relay, closing of the winker button circuit causes actuation of the load circuit relay contacts. The winker buttons used need only have an amperage rating adequate for energizing of the relay coil and they do not carry the load current.

By providing other contacts on ythe relay, the heater circuits are connected to be opened when the relay is actuated to permit winker button cooling. After cooling, the button contacts open, de-energizing the relay and permitting the load circuit and heater circuit contacts to return to their normal positions. The timed button heating period follows, and so on, and the device recycles automatically.

If desired, the relay may have another set of contacts connected so that the winker buttons are by-passed when the relay is actuated. With such a connection, the relay coil remains energized until power is interrupted by an external event.

According to another aspect of my invention, I provide a second winker button and heater arrangement for operation in conjunction with the apparatus last described above. The second arrangement is adapted to energize a second relay coil after the established heating time for actuating its winker button contacts. By connecting a set of contacts of the second relay in circuit with the coil of the first relay indicated above, the first relay coil may be rie-energized when the second relay operates.

Thus, by providing relay contacts of current capacity adequate for the load circuits to be controlled, my invention provides for winker button timed delayed energizing, for flashing, or for cyclic timed energizing and de-energizing of any load circuit. The devices of my invention may be provided in' numerous power and volt- 3,183,415 Fatented May 1 1, 1965 age ratings. They are simple, reliable and very readily fabricated. They may be adapted for various timed operations, depending on ratings of the winker buttons and heaters selected and on their arrangement in circuit. They have many applications among which is, for eX- ample, automatic timed energizing or flashing of lightingcircuits, or timed reversals of a fan motor such as may be used for proper distribution of hot air in a baking oven.

These and other features of my invention are described in detail in the following portion of the specification. In the description which follows, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FlG. l is a schematic illustrating an arrangement of apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of my invention; and,

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating an arrangement of apparatus adapted for use with that of FIG. l, in accordance with another embodiment of my invention.

FIG. 3-7 are views of a mounting box such as may be used for the apparatus of FIG. l.

In FIG. l, a time-delay embodiment of my invention is arranged in a mounting box indicated in phantom at 10. The box 10, also shown in detail in FIGS. 3-7, conveniently has two terminals L1 and L2 at which lines from a source of voltage (not shown) can be connected and terminals 1-6, the purpose of which is explained below. L1 is connected inside box 10 to terminal 6 and to the center tap of a single pole three position switch 11. Two winker buttons are shown at 12 and 13 and their associated heater clement is indicated at 14. The winker buttons are connected in series with heater 14 from the upper post of switch 11 to terminal 1. The lower tap of switch 11 is connected between the winker buttons 12 and 13, and terminals 4 and 5 are connected between the Winlrer button 13 and heater 14.

Box 1@ may also conveniently be provided with a receptacle as shown at 15 having three sockets, A, B and C, for a three-pronged plug, although for this embodiment this is not essential. In this embodiment, terminals 2 and 3 are to be connected to L2 so that for the arrangement shown, L2 is connected to A; terminals 2 and 3 are connected to B, and a three-pronged plug 16 having a jumper wire 17 connected between the inserts for sockets A and B, is conveniently used for connecting terminals A and B together.

The embodiment of FIG. l is adapted to be connected to an electromagnetic relay having at least one pair of normally opened contacts and one pair of normally closed contacts. Connections to such a relay are indicated in FIG. 1, the relay itself, being well known, is not shown. The relay may also have other contacts, depending on the switching function it is to perform. Itmay, for example, have an additional pair of normally opened contacts to be connected in the power circuit of a motor which is to be energized when power is delivered to the relay coil. This and other relay arrangements will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and for the present discussion, it is suicient to indicate that terminals 1 and 2 are arranged to be connected to one pair of normally closed contacts, terminals 3 and t to the relay coil and terminals 5 and 6 to one pair of normally opened contacts.

The winker buttons and their associated heater elements, as previously indicated, may be provided in many different sizes and ratings. For proper operation, the heater elements chosen should have a resistance which is considerably less than the resistance of the relay coil to be used. This is so because heater 14 is connected through terminals 1 and 2 (i.e., through normally closed contacts) in parallel across terminals 3 and 4 (i.e., across the .relayY coilland otherwise current through the coil o when the heater is energized would be suliicient to actuate the relay.

'Ilo illustrate operation, I shall assume that the winkerV button installed :at y12. operates 30 se-conds after power is applied and that at 13 operates 3 seconds `after power is applied. Thus, a short or a long time delay between application of power Vat L1 and L2 and energizing of a relay coil at terminals 3 and l may be selected by changing the position of switch l1. Ot' course, if a wider selection is desired, other arrangements such as,

for example, several more win'ker but-tons of variousV .wattages connected to a rotary type switch having many contacts, may be'used, as will be understood. Y

With switch 111 closed at its upper terminal and power applied at L1 and L2, heater 114 commences 4to heat the Ybuttom thermals and after the longer time delay, the button contacts close energizing the relay operatingcoil at Vterminals-sand t. This action opens contacts Vat l and 2, opening the heater circuit, and closes contacts at 5 Vand 6, 'by-passing the winker Ibuttons in the circuit.`

In this position, of course, no power reaches the winker fl' Vconnected to a point between the button 27 and heater 29, rlferminals A and 22 are also connected together, as are terminals B, to hea-ter 29 and 2d and 2.4. Also,

lfor this embodiment, a jumper 3i) is Vconnected in box buttons and heater, so that the buttons cool and re-se-t, Y

ie., openk theirr contacts, `for another cycle. Also in this position, the relay coil remains energized until power to L1 and L2 is interrupted, whereupon the relay contacts return to their normal posi-tions.

This embodiment of my invention may be used, for

example, to prevent relay chattering in a thermo-couple controlled operation. If, assuggested above, the relay to be used has an additional set of contacts connected to a tan, or a damper vane motor, the relay may be used to sta-rt and stop the motor when a prescribed tempera-ture at 4a thermo-couple operating point obtains. By connecting terminals L1 and L2 in the thermo-couple circuit, the winker button timing period can be initiated when the thermo-couple contacts close. The time delay period selected is made suflicient so that the relay and, hence, lthe motor circuits are not energized until after the thermo-couple circuit has achieved a steady state. Then :when thermo-couple'temperature `drops below a prescribed value, the thermo-couple circuit opens, power to L1 `and L2 is interrupted, and the relay contacts return to their normal posit-ion ready for the next cycle.

The embodiment of FIG. 1 may be readily modified for operation in, :for examplea ilashing light circuit. This may be done by removing theV connection between terminals L1 and 6 and, normally, by selecting winker buttons having'power ratings greater than the power ratings of the heaters. Then, in operation, after the time delay the winker button contacts close, the relay coil is energized, the normally closed contacts are opened and heater power is interrupted which initiates cooling of the buttons. button contacts open, whereupon the relay contacts return to their normal positions, and the cycle automatically continues. A pair o'f normally opened contacts operated zby the relay coil, may be connected in a lightling circuit for providing alternate energizing and de-energizing of a lamp load, as will 'be understood. i In anotherr embodiment of my invention I provide apparatus for accurately controlling the oil time of the winker buttons described above. Referring now to FIG. 2, a second winker button arrangement is shown in a suitable mounting box Vindicated in phantom at 20. As tor box 10 of FIG. 1, box 26 of FIG. 2 is a convenient mounting device, but others may be used. Box 2l), as shown, has three input terminals A, B and C, t-o which la lthree-pronged plug is connected, and terminals 214-24, the purpose of which is explained below. Inside box .20, terminalV C is connected to the center tap of a three position single pole switch 26, two winker buttons 27 and 28 and their associated heater 29 are connected After cooling, of course, the winkerV in .series from the lower post of switch 26 to terminals llt) of FIG. 1 between terminals C and 5.

l'For ythis embodiment, plug 25 is inserted into receptacle 15 (note its indicated phantom posi-tion) so Vthat as bet are electrically interconnected.

`The apparatus of FIG. 2 is adapted to be connected to a second'electromagnetic relay lhaving a-t least kone pair of normally closed contacts. Such a relay, being ywell known in the art, is not shown, but connections to it are indica-ted. Thus, the normally closed contacts are to be connected to terminals 21 and 212, and the relay coil to terminals 23 and Z4.

As before, the winker button and heater ratings may be anyV value, determined for the particular application and for the voltage available, and the resistance of heater 29 should be considerably less than the resistance of the relay coil to be used to preclude prematurecoil energizing. Y

To Villustrate operation, I shall assume that the Ywinker button installed .at 2.8 operates after a 30 second time delay following application of power at terminals A, B and C (plug 25 inserted in receptacle 15), and the winslrer .button at 2'7, latter a 3 second time delay. FIG- URE 1, switch l1 to. be assumed in top post position.

With the connections indicated, andwith switch 26 closed to its lower position, it is apparent that normally closed relay contacts across terminals 2.1 and 22 are connected in series with normally opened firs-t relay contacts connected :across terminals 5 and 6. Nvo-w when the lirst relay coil is energized (following the' timing period for winlter buttons 12 and 16), power is applied to terminals AA, B-lB and `CAC and the timing period for 'buttons 27 and28k is initiated. After 30 seconds, the second relay coil at terminals `2-3 `and Z4 is energized opening the contacts at terminals yZtl and V22.

'This serves as a tripping action because as soon as this occurs, the contacts between terminals 5 and 6 (FIG. Yl) of course, are opened, Voltage is removed from terminals B-IB and C-C, the second relay coil is de'- energized, and the contacts between terminals Z1 and 22 (FIG. 2) return almost Vimmediately to their normal positions, ie., closed. Thus the tripping action initiates the time delay period of winker buttons 12 and 13 and removes power from winker buttons 27 and 218 Iand from heater 2.9, so that the latter winiker `button-s (FIG. 2) cool preparatory vto rie-cycling, while the former winker buttons (lPlIG. 1) are heating during theirtime delay period. The cycles continue automatically so that when the contacts of buttons 12 and 13 close, actuating the first relay :as has been described, power is again applied at terminals A-A, B-B and C-C which initiates the timing period iior winker buttons 27 and 2S, and so on.

The second embodiment of my invention is advantageous for controlling cyclic switching operations where Vthe second half of each cycle is also to be automatically, positively and accurately controlled. If, for example, a second pair of normally opened first relay Vcontacts are connected in a motor reversing circuit, the timing period of one set of winker buttons of this embodiment controls and limits the time for forward motor rotation and the timing period of the other set of winker buttons, the time for reverse rotation.

The second embodiment of my invention is also useful as a fast-operating flasher type timer. For this purpose, switches 11 and 26 are moved to their opposite posts so that the three-second delay winker buttons 13 and 27, only, are in circuit. VSuch a delay period, viz., three seconds, is ordinarily insuiiicient for complete cooling of the winker buttons, Vso that with this type of arrangement, the associated relays may be operated in rapid sequence for autoais-anis matic cyclic switching functions where less precise, short cycle times are desired.

It is to be noted that the box 1i) is provided with a fastening plate lila, which is further provided with a plurality of openings b for purpose of mounting said device. Likewise box 20 is provided with a fastening plate 20a also having a plurality of openings Ztlb at the corners for the purpose of mounting said device.

FIGS. 3e7 of the drawing relate generally only to FIG, 1.

In FIG. 3, side view, the metal box cover 10 has a knurled locking nut, a switch 11, and an aperture on side of box as shown. This aperture on the side of box is an air vent which allows hot or warm air to escape in case of heat accumulation during electrical operation of the timer unit.

The terminal connections, represented by bolts and nuts, are electrically insulated from metal box by the use of insulated liber washers.

In FIGS. 1-7, the terminal connections for the electrical wiring are also insulated from the metal box by insulated ber washers.

In FIG. 3 the fastening plate 10a is formed of insulated material and has a liat head machine screw rmly secured and mounted to insulated plate 10a. The machine screw is insulated to the screw thread, to prevent electrical contact. This screw receives the box 10, when threaded by the knurled locking nut of box 10, to hold in closed position to fastening plate 10o. Plate lita carries mounting holes 10b for said timer unit.

In FIG. 4, receptacle 1S has terminals A, B, C, and are illustrated with the receptacle 1S mounting plate having screws showing to mount the plate and receptacle in FIG. 5, front view.

In FIG, 4, terminal connections of receptacle 15, A, B, C, are electrically connected in relative order to meet each other numerically as shown to be connected in FIG. 1 `of drawing, for receptacle 15.

In FIG. 5, terminal connections 1 6 are electrically wired in relative order as shown, to terminal connections 1-6 of FIG. 1.

In FIG. 5, front view, terminal connections L1 and L2 are electrically wired in relative order as shown to terminal connections L1 and L2 of FIG. 1.

In FIG. 6, top view, terminal connections L1 and L2 are electrically wired in relative order as shown to terminal connections L1 and L2 of FIG. 1.

In FIG. 7, bottom View terminal connections 1 6 are electrically wired in relative order as shown, to terminal connections 1-6 of FIG. l.

In FIG. 2, a box cover 20 having exact dimensions in size as of FIGS. 3-7 may be employed to be fastened to mounting plate 20a.

In this case L1 and L2 and the aperture for the mounting of receptacle are omitted. The two terminal screws connections may also be removed, should six terminal screws be employed as in FIG. 1 from 1-6.

b are mounting holes for plate of timer unit.

In FIG. 2, A, B, C are terminal connection screws and nuts mounted to insulated plate 20a. The wiring cord and male plug are connected to these terminals of A, B, C, of FIG. 2. The wiring of electric wire or wires within the cord and male plug must be in relative order of wiring with receptacle 15, A, B, C, of FIG. l.

A bushed aperture is provided in box 20 for the entrance of electric cord making access for connections to the ter- ;rninals thereof.

It should be noted that the timer is not 4only adapted to relays, but also adapted to magnetic contactors, magnetic switches, and so forth. It should also be understood that another term or expression for winker button is sometimes called a tiasher and iashers will perform exactly the same in electrical operation as do winker buttons.

It will thus be seen that there is provided a device in which the several objects of this invention are achieved, and which is Well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as various changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawing is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. Electric timing apparatus for automatic timed actuation of first electromagnetic means having an operating coil and at least one set of magnetically operated normally closed contacts, which apparatus comprises: thermally responsive rst switch means adapted to be actuated after a preselected heating time and first electric heater means therefor; irst circuit means connected to said rst switch means and arranged to place the same in series with said first electromagnetic means operating coil and a source of voitage; and, second circuit means connected to said rst heater means and arranged to place the same in series with said rst switch means, said first electromagnetic means normally closed contacts and said source of voltage.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rst electromagnetic means also has at least one set of magnetically operated normally opened contacts, and which apparatus further comprises: third circuit means connected to said iirst switch means and arranged to by-pass power from said source through said first electromagnetic means normally opened contacts around said rst switch means to said rst coil when said iirst normally opened contacts are in a closed position.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 in combination with: second thermally responsive switch means adapted to be actuated after a preselected heating time and second electric heater means therefor; second electromagnetic means having an operating coil and at least one set of magnetically operated normally closed contacts, said second normally closed contacts being connected in circuit in series with said first coil, said rst normally opened contacts and with said source when said rst normally opened contacts are in said closed position; fourth circuit means connected to said second switch means and arranged to place the same in series with said second coil, said second normally closed contacts, said iirst normally opened contacts and with said source when said first normally opened contacts are in said closed position; and, iifth circuit means connected to said second heater means and arranged to place the same in shunt across said second coil.

References Cited by the Examiner UNETED STATES PATENTS 2,789,25 6 4/ 5 7 Stenerson 317--141 2,908,848 10/59 Hull 317-141 2,958,755 11/60 Miller 317-141 SAMUEL BERNSTEIN, Primary Examiner. 

1. ELECTRIC TIMING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC TIMED ACTUATION OF FIRST ELECTROMAGNETIC MEANS HAVING AN OPERATING COIL AND AT LEAST ONE SET OF MAGNETICALLY OPERATED NORMALLY CLOSED CONTACTS, WHICH APPARATUS COMPRISES: THHERMALLY RESPONSIVE FIRST SWITCH MEANS ADAPTED TO BE ACTUATED AFTER A PRESELECTED HEATING TIME AND FIRST ELECTRIC HEATER MEANS THEREFOR; FIRST CIRCUIT MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID FIRST SWITCH MEANS AND ARRANGED TO PLACE THE SAME IN SERIES WITH SAID FIRST ELECTROMAGNETIC MEANS OPERATING COIL AND A SOURCE OF VOLTAGE; AND, SECOND CIRCUIT MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID FIRST HEATER MEANS AND ARRANGED TO PLACE THE SAME IN SERIES WITH SAID FIRST SWITCH MEANS, SAID FIRST ELECTROMAGNETIC MEANS NORMALLY CLOSED CONTACTS AND SAID SOURCE OF VOLTAGE. 